Let’s take a mental journey, shall we? You’ve spent all day hiking through the woods to reach this one spot where the sunsets are so majestic, that they last all of thirty seconds, and then they are gone till the next day. You get to the summit, pull out your camera and take a picture that ends up blurry because you were breathing heavily while taking the picture.

Now imagine that same scenario but with a tripod for your camera.

Clear pictures without any human error issues. There is a really big reason why professionals use tripods so we sought to find the Best Camera Tripods in 2023 so that beautiful photo comes out perfect every time.

Do you know what the characteristics of a tripod are? Let’s start there.

11+ Best Camera Tripods in 2023

Having the right tripod for your camera can make all the difference when you are shooting photos or videos. The stability that a tripod offers is second to none. With our list of the best tripods in 2023, we feel that we’re brought together the best of the best. Keep reading below to read our reviews!

1. Manfrotto 190XPro4 — The best camera tripod overall (Editor’s Choice)
2. Benro Travel Angel FTA28AB1 — The best travel camera tripod
3. MeFoto GlobeTrotter A2350Q2 — The best ‘packs small’ tripod
4. Benro Mach3 TMA28AHD2A — The best compact camera tripod
5. Sirui NT-1005X/E-10 — The best for value and quick setup 
6. Manfrotto 290 Dual MK290DUA3-BH — The best large tripod
7. Joby GorillaPod 1K — The best flexible and budget camera tripod
8. Benro Rhino FRHN34CVX30 — The best travel all rounder tripod
9. Vanguard Veo 3+ 263AB — Versatile full size tripod
10. Peak Design Travel Tripod — Best known for design and folded size
11. Vanguard Veo 3 Go 265HCB — Great combination of weight, price, size and height
12. Rangers Ultra Compact Tripod — The best convertible camera tripod
13. Manfrotto B PIXI Mini Tripod — The best camera tripod for mobile phones
14. Legged Thing Winston 2.0 — The best tall tripod for photography

What is the best camera tripods in 2023?

Manfrotto 190XPro4 is the best camera tripod in 2023. Check out the table to see a comparison of the other best tripods for camera and choose what is right for you.

If you are looking for a new camera then you can check our list of 4k cameras.

Characteristics of the Common Tripod

Camera Tripods are generally made with seven different components. Knowing and understanding the meaning and difference between them can make shopping for a tripod that much easier.

The seven characteristics of a camera tripod are:

Collapsed size

The collapsed size of a tripod is how it measures once it has been closed up. If you’re traveling and need to take the tripod with you in a bag, knowing this information will let you know if it will fit.

Size

Otherwise known as maximum height extension, this is how tall the tripod will stand when fully opened up and the center post is raised as high as it can go.

Load capacity

Weight and Load Capacity are two different things, even though they may seem similar. The weight is of course how much the tripod weighs and the Load Capacity is the weight that the tripod can support a camera and lens combination without worry that the risk of the tripod falling over and breaking the camera will occur. Knowing how much your gear weighs can help before you start shopping for a tripod.

Head type

The head of the tripod sits on the center column which is a tube that can be raised and lowered using either a hand crank or through the use of a locking collar.

Feet

The feet on a tripod can come in a few different variations for the different environments that you may be shooting in. Rubber non-slip feet are mainly used for indoor shooting, while spike feet are the best option for shooting outdoors as the spikes plant the tripod in the ground. There are also custom options with some tripods which can be anything including the use of ball-bearings.

Along with these there are some other characteristics that are to be considered.

Leg locks

Typically, leg locks come in two versions: Twist; where you twist the leg to pull it out, twist it in reverse to lock it in place and Lever, where you would open a lever to pull a leg out and then close it to lock it out.

Common material

Tripods are made in many different materials these days including plastic which isn’t very durable and inexpensive. Aluminum which is the most commonly used material is also inexpensive but can add a lot of weight to heavy-duty tripods.

Carbon fiber is a relatively new material that is being used and can is durable, lightweight, and flexible but at the same time, is not cheap. Finally, there are tripods made of wood. These are typically used by nature photographers that are carrying around large-format cameras.

Top 11+ Camera Tripods in 2023

1. Manfrotto 190XPro4 (Editor’s Choice)

The best tripod overall

Material	Aluminium
Leg sections	4
Max load (legs/head)	10/7kg
Max height (with head)	175cm
Folded height	57cm
Weight (with head)	2.6kg

The 190XPro4 from Manfrotto is a full-sized camera tripod that’s able to reach a full operating height of 68 inches and then shrinks down to a modest size of 22 inches. The 90-degree pivot is quick and easy, letting you switch to horizontal boom mode in mere seconds.

A four-way, multi-angle leg lock system helps keep the tripod sturdy while the ball head comes with an adjustable friction damper and pan-only release. While it can be a bit pricey, it is a high-quality tripod that can help fill all of your needs.

This camera tripod has some weight to it that ensures your camera stays steady and grounded even in windy conditions, which can be very handy when shooting outdoors. With its easy and quick-to-set-up build and versatility, it’s without a doubt the best tripod for most situations.

Pros	Cons
➕ Sturdy build ensures steadiness	➖ Slightly heavy
➕ Has versatile settings — center column can be extended out 90°
➕ Easy and quick to set up

 

 

2. Benro Travel Angel FTA28AB1

The best travel tripod

Material: Aluminium | Leg sections: 4 | Max load (legs/head): 10/14kg | Max height (with head): 161cm | Folded height: 45cm | Weight (with head): 2.42kg

When you’re traveling for your job, having a camera tripod that is easy to get around with is a priority. With the Travel Angel from Benro, the tripod collapses to a minuscule 17 inches. With a weight of just under five pounds, carrying this through the airport isn’t such a headache.

Once you’re up and running, the max height of this tripod reaches a respectable height of 63 inches. Although the load capacity for the legs and head are 22 and 30 pounds respectively. This helps the tripod feel sturdy even when you have a heavy DSLR and long telephoto lens attached.  

In addition to all these features, the tripod has a removable leg and interchangeable screw-in rubber feet. Between the build strength and the quality, the Travel Angel should be your travel buddy for a long time.

Pros	Cons
➕ Easily fits in luggage while traveling	➖ Could be sturdier when fully extended
➕ Good build quality
➕ Can easily be used as a monopod

 

 

3. MeFoto GlobeTrotter A2350Q2

The best ‘packs small’ tripod

Material: Aluminium | Leg sections: 5 | Max load (legs/head): 12/12kg | Max height (with head): 165cm | Folded height: 41cm | Weight (with head): 2.1kg

The GlobeTrotter line from MeFoto is the biggest and most heavy-duty option in their ‘Classic’ camera tripod offerings. Available in different colors as well as a carbon fiber option, the GlobeTrotter folds down to 16 inches, making it a great option to take on the go.

The tripod stays sturdy at its full height of 64 inches, even with the thinnest areas of the leg sections having a diameter of half an inch. One of the legs can be removed to create a monopod, a great option if you’re shooting video or vlogging.

While there isn’t a pivot function or secondary short center column, it does come packaged with interchangeable metal spikes and rubber pads, along with a padded soft case.

Pros	Cons
➕ Good value for money	➖ Slightly pricey
➕ The most compact tripod on this list
➕ Comes with travel case
➕ Can be used as a monopod

 

 

4. Benro Mach3 TMA28AHD2A

The best compact tripod

Material: Aluminium | Leg sections: 4 | Max load (legs/head): 8/8kg | Max height (with head): 167cm | Folded height: 60cm | Weight (with head): 2.42kg

Unlike the Travel Angel, which we featured above, the Mach3 legs don’t swing up for compact storage but with the Mach3, Benro aims to keep things simple by combining a conventional feature set with high-grade materials.

Provided with interchangeable metal spikes and rubber pads for feet, the Mach3 gives you the option of using it as a monopod by unscrewing one of the legs. Thanks to its design, the four-leg section tripod folds down to a compact 23 inches and the triple-angle facility for the legs is a breeze to operate. At maximum height, the Mach3 provides excellent stability and the solid build quality all add up to a high-quality tripod.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great price	➖ Can’t be used as a monopod
➕ Comes with metal spikes and rubber pads for its legs to ensure stability
➕ Comes in different variants to suit your requirements
➕ Solid build

 

 

5. Sirui NT-1005X/E-10

The best for value and quick setup 

Material: Aluminium | Leg sections: 5 | Max load (legs/head): 10/8kg | Max height (with head): 150cm | Folded height: 36cm | Weight (with head): 1.44kg

The NT-1005X from Sirui is a great camera tripod when it comes down to collapsing and folding it for storage, but that isn’t why it made our list. Setting up the tripod is quick and easy with its non-slip feet and the ball head with its Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release plate.

 Making adjustments is smooth and easy and lock solidly.  It is a durable camera best for close-ups, hiking, and sports photography. The legs can be locked at three alternative angles and although the maximum height is a little lacking, the carrying size makes up for it and makes the NT-1005X/E-10 a very desirable tripod.

Pros	Cons
➕ Good price	➖ Slightly on the shorter side
➕ Easy and quick to set up
➕ Comes with non-slip feet
➕ Versatile to use and easy to adjust

 

 

6. Manfrotto 290 Dual MK290DUA3-BH

The best large tripod

Material: Aluminium | Leg sections: 3 | Max load (legs/head): 5/6kg | Max height (with head): 175cm | Folded height: 69cm | Weight (with head): 2.28kg

Compared to the other camera tripods on our list, the 290 Dual from Manfrotto has a much taller folded height at 68 inches. While that may seem like a cumbersome tripod to lug around, there are some benefits to be found here. There are only six flip locks on the tripod allowing you to set the tripod’s height much easier than some other’s on our list.

It comes with a 90-degree pivot facility that is easy to operate and incredibly quick. The price point for this tripod makes it worth a look and if you’re in the market for a large tripod, the 290 Dual from Manfrotto could be just what you need.

Pros	Cons
➕ Comes with 90° pivot function	➖ Slightly awkward to lug around
➕ Easy and quick to operate
➕ Great height

 

 

7. Joby GorillaPod 1K

The best flexible and budget tripod

Main material: ABS plastic, stainless steel | Folded height (leg inversion): N/A | Weight: 196g | Max operating height: 25.5cm | Max load: 1kg | Sections per leg: Multiple | Locking leg angles: N/A

The GorillaPod 1K from Joby is a grippy mini-tripod that allows you to get angles you may normally not be able to. With its bendable legs that can wrap around objects, setting up interesting shots is fun.

Even though it is a lightweight stand, it is useful for flashes, video lights, and mirrorless cameras. The stand is portable and suitable for easy transport. While the weight limit of 2.2 lbs is a little limiting, as long as you’re not trying to use pro DSLR and telephoto lens you should be good. Bunching the legs together also works as a great handgrip for on-the-spot videos or selfies.

Pros	Cons
➕ Amazing price	➖ A bit small
➕ Great flexibility allows for unique shots	➖ Not suitable for heavier cameras
➕ Can function as a monopod or selfie stick

 

 

8. Benro Rhino FRHN34CVX30

The best travel all rounder tripod

Material: Carbon Fiber | Leg sections: 4 | Weight limit: 20 Kilograms | Item weight: 6 Pounds | Max height: 174.5 cm 

Benro Rhino FRHN34C with a VX30 head is a super camera tripod with a design that balances both functionality and aesthetics. The large diameter carbon legs and build quality give this tripod an edge over others, especially when it comes to the reasonable price. It is a good choice for both DSLR and mirrorless users. It offers a 360-degree rotation with accurate adjustments to take perfect shots. If you are looking for a good-looking tripod that provides you with amazing performance, then it is the right option for you.

Pros	Cons
➕ Optimum height (49.4cm)	➖ No column pivot mechanism
➕ Easy to use
➕ Great quality

 

 

9. Vanguard VEO 3+ 263AB

Versatile full size tripod

Material: Aluminum | Leg sections: 3 | Weight limit: 33 Pounds | Max height (with head): 67.9 Inches | Folded height: 29.9 Inches 

Vanguard VEO 3+ 263AB is a fantastic camera tripod with solid build quality and an amazing design. The angled column works efficiently and all the adjustments and controls are super smooth to provide you with a flexible shooting experience. With good maximum height and quick action leg locks, the low price will probably surprise you. And for versatility, sturdiness, and smoothness, you won’t find a better tripod in this price range.

Pros	Cons
➕ Optimal height (76cm)	➖ Long, even after folding
➕ Quick leg lock

 

 

10. Peak Design Travel Tripod

Best known for design and folded size

Material: Aluminum | Leg sections: 3 | Weight limit: 9.1 Kilograms | Max height (with head): 152.4 Centimeters | Folded height: 14 Centimeters | Weight (with head): 1.56 Kilograms

Peak Design Travel Tripod is probably more expensive than other options, but you won’t find better performance or a more clever design. With its dazzling design details and lightweight build, this is one of the best camera tripods for accurately shooting photos and videos. And it is a compact tripod when folded, making this a perfect companion on the go. The spindly looking center and the five-section legs look amazing when the setup is complete. You are definitely in for a power-packed, rigid performance. So, if you want a tripod that’s durable, compact, and exceeds all your expectations, then this is way ahead of its competitors.

Pros	Cons
➕ Portable	➖ Expensive carbon fiber version
➕ Bag and phone mount included

 

 

11. Vanguard VEO 3 Go 265HCB

Great combination of weight, price, size and height

Material: Carbon Fiber | Leg sections: 3 | Weight limit: 22 Pounds | Max height (with head): 165 Centimeters | Weight (with head): 3.1 Pounds

Vanguard VEO3 GO 265HCB is an incredibly lightweight tripod with lightning-fast twist locks to get those perfect clicks. With a weight of just 1.42 kg, the ergonomics are exceptional and the camera tripod is easy to use and carry. It comes with a Bluetooth remote shutter trigger that offers amazing versatility for DSLR camera kits, mirrorless camera kits, and smartphones. You can extend the height to 166.5 cm, and the design is super compact for easy transport when you travel. So if you are looking for a flexible tripod with good performance, this is a good pick.

Pros	Cons
➕ Rubber feet	➖ Needs center column for decent height
➕ Tripod bag included
➕ Good weight capacity

 

 

12. Rangers Ultra Compact Tripod 

The best convertible tripod

Materials	Aluminum
Leg sections	4
Max load (legs/head)	12 kgs
Max height (with head)	55 inches
Folded height	21.3 inches
Weight (with head)

The Rangers Ultra Compact Tripod comes with a CNC machine that ensures you receive a high-quality product. The camera tripod comes with two independent control knobs that help you rotate the ball head that can rotate 360 degrees and a built-in level to help you to make a perfect shot every time. 

The ball head also has a built-in level that helps you to get the best shot possible every time.

Each leg of this tripod comes in four sections. These sections have flip locks which you can release.

You can adjust the height from 14 ft to 55 ft and remove the legs to turn it into a monopod when you attach the ball adapter to it. As a photographer, you would like to work with a tripod or a monopod, and this particular tripod serves both needs. The flip lock system offers a large contact area with the tripod legs that offers more stability when shooting.

The Rangers Ultra tripod provides a sturdy base for any camera and is available in aluminum construction or carbon fiber construction.

Pros	Cons
➕ Compact and lightweight	➖ Does not work well on large lens of the camera
➕ Portability
➕ Convertible from a tripod to a monopod

 

 

13. Manfrotto B PIXI Mini Tripod 

The best tripod for mobile phones

Materials	Aluminum, Technopolymer
Leg sections	–
Max load (legs/head)	2.2 lbs
Max height (with head)	5.3 Inches
Folded height	NA
Weight (with head)	0.19kgs

The PIXI tripod helps you place the camera just 5.1 inches above the ground, but you cannot adjust this height. The weight of the camera tripod is less than one pound, making it easier to carry around.

It is an ideal tripod to be used for all kinds of cameras, phones, and action cameras. The PIXI boasts an exceptional design with a smooth aluminum build with the push-button ball head working well.

Pros	Cons
➕ Works with all kinds of camera	➖ Head ball difficult to move
➕ Stable and portable
➕ Rubber feet gives you a sturdy grip

 

14. Legged Thing Winston 2.0

Best tall tripod for photography

Material: Carbon fibre | Leg sections: 3Max | Load (legs/head): 40/30kg | Max height (with head): 194cm | Folded height: 61.2cm | Weight (with head): 2.05kg

This tripod is one of the latest models that has grabbed the attention of many photographers. The ultra-sturdy tripod has a height of 2m that is constructed with a 8 layer carbon fiber making it one of the lightest on the list.

The parallel locking system makes the tripod more strong and reduces accidental disassembly. Having the 3m rubber pad makes the tripod strong and gives grip while extending and folding the tripod. 

Pros	Cons
➕Portable	➖Lacks aluminum option
➕Have a good height

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

The Best Camera Tripods of 2023

Using a tripod to shoot video or take pictures can go a long way in helping you become a professional in those fields. Knowing what the best tripod is to get you to that point is key and with our list of the Best Camera Tripods in 2023, we hope we’ve given you a pretty good place to start.

Do you have a tripod you love that’s not on our list? Let us know in the comments below!!

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